Isaiah McKenzie another of American Heritage's offensive weapons

If you’ve wondered how American Heritage’s Isaiah McKenzie, arguably the most electrifying high school football player in Broward County, manages to repeatedly break tackles when he’s not blowing by defenders, here’s why: he can bench press a beefy offensive lineman.T

The 5-foot-8, 170-pound senior, being courted by Notre Dame and other major colleges, maxes about 345 pounds and can do six to seven reps of 275, according to Heritage coach Mike Rumph.

“A lot of that carries over to his balance and his strength,” Rumph said. “He’s running through tackles like they’re not even there. And he’s very fast and quick.”

McKenzie, a receiver/cornerback/punt returner who was a first-team all-county selection last season with 30 catches for 832 yards and 18 touchdowns, along with 21 tackles and two interceptions, has become the biggest offensive threat for the Patriots as teams have focused almost all of their attention on running back Sony Michel.

McKenzie has been “unbelievable” so far, Rumph noted, as was evidenced by his 85-yard touchdown run and 59-yard touchdown catch against Miami Columbus, and 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Miami Central.

Heritage (3-1), whose challenging early-season schedule also featured American Heritage-Delray, will face undefeated Daytona Mainland, ranked No. 5 in Class 6A, this Friday before a pivotal district game at Miami Jackson next week.

“We’re looking at this as one of the hardest games we’re going to play this year,” Rumph said. “I think they’re pretty much focused on this week alone. If we take care of this week, it’ll help us hopefully take care of next week as well.”

Starting quarterback Torrance Gibson, who sat out last week due to a concussion, might be ready to play against Mainland, Rumph said. If not, Brandon Vicens will play both quarterback and linebacker as he did last week.